Russell "Coach" Dayton

Russell “Coach” Dayton, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at the age of 98. Born on March 11, 1926, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Charles and Edna (Gay) Dayton, he was the youngest of twelve siblings.

Russell grew up loving sports, especially baseball and boxing. He embraced competition in one-on-one matches and loved the camaraderie of team sports. Russell was always proud, even half a century later, to brag about his Golden Boxing Gloves as well as how many laps around a basketball court he could walk on his hands. His appetite for fun and physical activity gave him motivation to attend Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg after high school: he wanted to teach and coach high school sports.

After a brief stint teaching in Missouri, Russell stumbled on an opportunity to move abroad and work with the Department of State in post-World War II Europe. He took a position to, ostensibly, build playground equipment at schools on American bases, despite having no engineering background and a questionable mind for mathematics. His employers quickly realized their error and Russell soon found himself teaching history and coaching sports teams—as he intended all along—at American high schools on military bases in Germany, Morocco, and Italy. Here, he truly became “Coach.” During his tenure in the Department of Defense schools, “Coach Dayton” emerged as a significant mentor and influential figure to many of his students. His dedication to teaching and coaching helped shape the character and future of many students, instilling in them values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His role extended beyond the classroom and the sports field, as he provided guidance and support, fostering a sense of community and belonging among his students. Many of them likely remember him not just as a teacher or coach, but as a pivotal figure who contributed to their personal growth and success.

In 1956, Russell met and married Eunice Baze in Morocco. They welcomed children Cynthia while living in Morocco and David after moving to Italy. While living in Italy and Germany as the children grew up, the Dayton family cherished summer vacations back to the U.S. where they visited relatives in Missouri and Washington State, zigzagging across the country on weeks-long road trips.

Although Russell and Eunice divorced in 1979, they remained friends and, later, were devoted grandparents to their grandchildren. In 1981, Russell returned to Missouri, settling in Cameron where he could spend time with his siblings, nieces, and nephews in Chillicothe. But of course, he made many new friends while working in public schools and spending seemingly endless hours in a barber shop debating politics.

About 10 years later, Russell became Papa Coach as the first of his grandchildren was born. Over time, his home became a beloved gathering place especially for Independence Day celebrations. Russell’s love for travel was evident in his extensive collection of knickknacks, paintings, and furniture from the many places he visited. Adults and kids alike would remember his house as a museum-like collection of artifacts, each with its own story. You could not help but learn something every time you visited.

For the past decade, Russell has resided closer to Kansas City to be nearer to his son and his family. He was predeceased by his daughter Cynthia in 2004, his ex-wife and friend Eunice in 2017, and his son-in-law Jim Klobnak, also in 2017. He is survived by his son David and daughter-in-law Wendy, grandchildren Kristen, Nicholas, and Alexandria. His legacy of warmth, friendship, and adventure lives on through all who knew him.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 12 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor.

Coach will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.